It’s that time of year again… But don’t panic! We’ve got lots of tips to keep you calm and in control..
- Find somewhere quiet, comfortable and well lit to study. Have everything you need to do your revision to hand before you start.
- The top tip for successful revision is to make a plan. We recommend that you start your revision at least eight weeks before your exams begin. It is helpful to look at your exam dates and work backwards to the first date you intend to start revising.
- List all your exam subjects and the amount of time you think you will need for each one. It is unlikely that the amounts will be equal. Many people find it advisable to allocate more time to the subject or topics they find the most difficult.
- Draw up a revision plan for each week.
- Fill in any regular commitments you have first and the dates of your examinations.
- Divide your time for each subject into topics based on the units in the revision checklist or syllabus, and make sure you allow enough time for each one.
- Plan your time carefully, assigning more time to subjects and topics you find difficult.
- Revise often; try and do a little every day.
- Plan in time off, including time for activities which can be done out in the fresh air. Take a 5 or 10 minute break every hour and do some stretching exercises, go for a short walk or make a drink.
- Write up your plan and display it somewhere visible.
- Mix revision techniques to memorise ideas/facts more effectively. Some ideas include:
- Using ‘prompt cards’ – cards with ideas and facts on
- Creating memory aids such as diagrams or mnemonics (initial letters to make a word you need to remember)
- Writing key facts/notes out and display these around the house where you will see them
- Recording yourself reading notes to listen to
- Studying with a friend and testing each other’s knowledge.
- Work through past question papers – and use a watch to time them so that you can practise timing your answers.
- Choose study and revision guides sensibly. Save time and get recommendations from your teachers.
- Keep yourself more alert by changing revision methods during a session. For instance, try switching from note taking to memorising; from reading to asking someone to test you.
- Look after yourself – Sometimes revision can become a competition – who stayed up latest, who worked longest, who’s worrying the most. But the more tired you are the less efficiently you’ll work. You need to rest as well as study, eat well, drink lots of water and make sure you pace yourself. Don’t rush, and equally don’t over-revise by doing too much too soon.
Good luck from everyone at Watling Tutors!
